Fluorouracil

Examples

How It Works

Fluorouracil interferes with how cancer cells grow and divide. It affects all areas of the cell cycle.

Fluorouracil is an intravenous (IV) medicine. It usually is given according to a schedule, such as once a week or once every 3 to 4 weeks, but it may also be given continuously over 4 to 5 days. It also is available as a cream for the treatment of skin cancer.

Why It Is Used

Fluorouracil is used to treat many different types of cancer, such as cancer of the colon, rectum, breast, stomach, and pancreas. It may also be used to treat skin cancer.

How Well It Works

Fluorouracil is an effective cancer treatment. But the type of cancer you have and how widespread it is in your body affect how well this medicine slows or stops cancer growth.

Side Effects

Fluorouracil can cause many side effects. How severe the side effects are depends on how often you are treated and how large a dose of this medicine you receive. Common side effects include:

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